* Please remember to call us for more up-to-date or detailed information! These reports are not meant to be your one and only, daily source of information. They are typically general, even seasonal type reports and we currently don't have a set schedule as to when we update. Please, just because we don't update as often as we like, it doesn't mean that we don't care.
There are many different approaches you should take in order to get a good game plan for a trip or a day of fishing. Also remember that things change and these reports are what we know at the time of posting only. Keep in mind that we do express opinions and personal preferences from time-to-time which may be different from yours or what you may read elsewhere. Thanks for checking and don't forget to call us if you need any further information or a more up-to-date report. 614-451-0363
Thanks as always for reading our reports friends. As the weather gets more conducive we should be reporting more regularly....but we need your HELP!
Send any and all reports to admin@madriveroutfitters and we'll do our best to get them up.
***The rain has been the most common topic here in the shop over the past couple weeks. We have been getting a small window of good conditions before the rain raises the flows. Looking into the weekend... The rain amounts have been changing by the hour it seems, but The other topic over the past couple weeks have been Brown Drakes! More about all of this below.
Warmwater
Thanks as always for reading our reports friends. As the weather gets more conducive we should be reporting more regularly....but we need your HELP!
Send any and all reports to admin@madriveroutfitters and we'll do our best to get them up.
***The rain has been the most common topic here in the shop over the past couple weeks. We have been getting a small window of good conditions before the rain raises the flows. Looking into the weekend... The rain amounts have been changing by the hour it seems, but The other topic over the past couple weeks have been Brown Drakes! More about all of this below.
Warmwater
The local streams have been off colored for the most part. The Darby, Walnut, and Blacklick have been the first to clear out and produce. It seems like we will not be fishing the Scioto till July...hopefully not, but we will let you know when it comes into shape. If the predicted rain totals continue to decrease then focusing on the Big Walnut and Darby Creeks will be the best bet. These streams might fish as early as Saturday evening, but most likely Sunday and Monday. Shoot us a call Saturday as this can change. Other Smallmouth options around the state have been great. If you want to get in on a Smallie float make sure to get your trip booked soon as our days off are filling up!
The status in the local ponds is mixed. Most of the bass have or are currently spawning. In the smaller waters the panfish are moving to the beds also. Fishing these ponds have been the best bet as they are seldom muddy and consistently produce fish. Fishing poppers have started producing and will only get better. Wet flies, streamers, nymphs, and San Juans or Squirmys keep the panfish and bass on the line. 4-5wt fly rods are what we prefer for panfish while 6-8wts are our go-to rods for throwing big bass flies.
Pike fishing has continued to be excellent. Again the flows have been a little problem, but we are still putting clients on fish. Pat and Josh have been seeing some great fish as you can see on our earlier posts.
Mad River
The status in the local ponds is mixed. Most of the bass have or are currently spawning. In the smaller waters the panfish are moving to the beds also. Fishing these ponds have been the best bet as they are seldom muddy and consistently produce fish. Fishing poppers have started producing and will only get better. Wet flies, streamers, nymphs, and San Juans or Squirmys keep the panfish and bass on the line. 4-5wt fly rods are what we prefer for panfish while 6-8wts are our go-to rods for throwing big bass flies.
Pike fishing has continued to be excellent. Again the flows have been a little problem, but we are still putting clients on fish. Pat and Josh have been seeing some great fish as you can see on our earlier posts.
Ohio Pike fishing has been good to excellent and will stay strong. Trips booking now!
Mad River
It is great that we have a spring creek so close to Columbus. Despite the rain levels this Spring the Mad River has a very short runoff time. In most situations water levels drop quickly and start to clear out 24 hours or less! Combine the runoff time and the amount of bugs we have been seeing this Spring the Mad has been treating us very well. Dry Fly fishing continues to be great.
There have been a few reports of BROWN DRAKES, but the Sulfurs and Light Cahills have been the main focus. Midges and Caddis are the go to in the mornings while the Sulfurs and Cahils have been the evening ticket. Before the rain late in the past week there have been a few reports of Ephermera Olives in tiny size 22.
The Drakes are early, and we have only seen a few, but the next few weeks should provide some absolutely incredible dry fly fishing. Be sure to have Duns and Spinners. Remember that these are usually an evening deal, although an overcast cooler day can see the Duns hatching in the late afternoon. As the hatch progresses, it can even be an after dark affair. Be sure to have the NYMPHS to fish if the bugs aren't hatching at that moment......they are critical.
If you are looking to dry fly fish this weekend you box will need to be filled with ICSI Midges, Goddard Caddis, Henryville Special, and Elk Hair Caddis for the mornings. Stock up on #16-18 Thorax, Parachute, Comparadun, and Spinner Sulfurs for the afternoons/into the evenings. For the late evenings Brown Paradrakes, Bear's Hi-Vis, Comparadrake and the Brown Drake Spinners will be the go-to's.
Nymphing is always a productive option. Right now you will need to fishing the Brown Drake nymphs with either an unweighted nymph or softhackle trailer. Typically we are fishing either an unweighted Hares Ear or Pheasant Tail as the second fly. Having some Net Builder Caddis, Flashabou Caddis, Core Caddis, Nitro Caddis, and the Drowned Caddis will set your straight accross the board.
**The AuSable boat has been in the shop for some minor repairs but is now back and ready for action. Brian has a few slots open between now and mid-June so if anybody wants to do a float in this legendary craft....during this legendary season......give him a call at the shop.
She's all repaired up and ready to float!
Clearfork River
Clearfork Map
We need more reports with good information and pictures of bugs from the Clear Fork. With all of the options around the state right now we just haven't been able to spend much time up that way. There have been some good hatches, but with the rain predicted up there it is going to be hard to guess what this weekend will look like. If you are up that way then make sure to be prepared for different conditions. A streamer rod, sink tip, and articulated streamers for the off colored water, Dry fly setup for the evenings, and a nymphing rig as a backup will keep you in the game for the upper or lower river. Down below the Pleasant Hill Dam is always a good place to stop by and fish a streamer as you never know what you will find. There have been a few reports that the road heading down to the covered bridge was closed, but you can still park close to the dam and walk down.
As for flies they will be much the same as for the Mad. If you are looking to dry fly fish this weekend you box will need to be filled with ICSI Midges, Goddard Caddis, Henryville Special, and Elk Hair Caddis for the mornings. Stock up on #16-18 Thorax, Parachute, Comparadun, and Spinner Sulfurs for the afternoons/into the evenings. For the late evenings Paradrakes, Bear's Hi-Vis, Comparadrake and the Brown Drake Spinners will be the go-to's. Be sure to have some Light Cahills also as they can be thick in the evenings for the next month or so.....both stretches.
Nymphing is always a productive option. Right now you will need to fishing the Brown Drake nymphs with either an unweighted nymph or softhackle trailer. Typically we are fishing either an unweighted Hares Ear or Pheasant Tail as the second fly. Having some Net Builder Caddis, Flashabou Caddis, Core Caddis, Nitro Caddis, and the Drowned Caddis will set your straight accross the board.
We need more reports with good information and pictures of bugs from the Clear Fork. With all of the options around the state right now we just haven't been able to spend much time up that way. There have been some good hatches, but with the rain predicted up there it is going to be hard to guess what this weekend will look like. If you are up that way then make sure to be prepared for different conditions. A streamer rod, sink tip, and articulated streamers for the off colored water, Dry fly setup for the evenings, and a nymphing rig as a backup will keep you in the game for the upper or lower river. Down below the Pleasant Hill Dam is always a good place to stop by and fish a streamer as you never know what you will find. There have been a few reports that the road heading down to the covered bridge was closed, but you can still park close to the dam and walk down.
As for flies they will be much the same as for the Mad. If you are looking to dry fly fish this weekend you box will need to be filled with ICSI Midges, Goddard Caddis, Henryville Special, and Elk Hair Caddis for the mornings. Stock up on #16-18 Thorax, Parachute, Comparadun, and Spinner Sulfurs for the afternoons/into the evenings. For the late evenings Paradrakes, Bear's Hi-Vis, Comparadrake and the Brown Drake Spinners will be the go-to's. Be sure to have some Light Cahills also as they can be thick in the evenings for the next month or so.....both stretches.
Nymphing is always a productive option. Right now you will need to fishing the Brown Drake nymphs with either an unweighted nymph or softhackle trailer. Typically we are fishing either an unweighted Hares Ear or Pheasant Tail as the second fly. Having some Net Builder Caddis, Flashabou Caddis, Core Caddis, Nitro Caddis, and the Drowned Caddis will set your straight accross the board.
Clear Creek
Clear Creek Map
The creek is low and will continue to clear out even more into the weekend. Light rain will make the creek fish well this weekend. The Smallmouth bite is heating up so small streamers are a good bet for both Smallies and trout. Cover lots of water and enjoy the scenery.
Nymphing always produces with Hares Ear and Pheasant tails. As for the dry fly fishing the most consistent flies have been small Elk Hair Caddis and Henryville Specials. There are a few Sulfurs and Light Cahills around so have a few in the box just in case. Ants like the Ant Acid and Quick Sight Ant along with Flash Beetles and other terrestrials also make good choices in the coming weeks.
Lake Run Smallmouth fishing is still good, but most of the fish are moving out into the harbors. Guide trips this week have focused on the lower rivers and river mouths.
There are plenty of resident fish in the rivers although this weekend up there looks rough as the rain has messed up the rivers. We are just about done reporting on the tributaries, but we will keep you updated on what we experience and hear for those heading that way.
The creek is low and will continue to clear out even more into the weekend. Light rain will make the creek fish well this weekend. The Smallmouth bite is heating up so small streamers are a good bet for both Smallies and trout. Cover lots of water and enjoy the scenery.
Nymphing always produces with Hares Ear and Pheasant tails. As for the dry fly fishing the most consistent flies have been small Elk Hair Caddis and Henryville Specials. There are a few Sulfurs and Light Cahills around so have a few in the box just in case. Ants like the Ant Acid and Quick Sight Ant along with Flash Beetles and other terrestrials also make good choices in the coming weeks.
Erie Steelhead/Smallmouth
Lake Run Smallmouth fishing is still good, but most of the fish are moving out into the harbors. Guide trips this week have focused on the lower rivers and river mouths.
There are plenty of resident fish in the rivers although this weekend up there looks rough as the rain has messed up the rivers. We are just about done reporting on the tributaries, but we will keep you updated on what we experience and hear for those heading that way.
John Wiesinger flew in from Georgia to fish the tribs with us and did VERY well.
Jim Wiers this past Monday with Josh on the jet at the mouth of Conneaut
Mad River Outfitters
Fly Shop, Guides, Trips, Classes, Schools and more!
813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-0363
